A trailer park on the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Reservation in southern California should be closed, a Bureau of Indian Affairs official testified on Wednesday.

Superintendent James Fletcher said the BIA tried to work with Harvey Duro, a tribal member who owns the Desert Mobile Home Park. But the facility remains an environmental and health hazard, Fletcher said.

“We've spent six years working with Harvey Duro, trying to get the park in proper working order, and it hasn't happened,” Fletcher testified on the second day of a trial over the future of the facility, The Palm Springs Desert Sun reported.

A federal judge is overseeing operations at the park, which is home to anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 people. Most are Indian and Hispanic migrants from Mexico and Central America.

The trial is expected to wrap up next week.

Get the Story:
Official: Despite changes, Duroville should be closed (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 4/9)

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